When we think about protecting the environment, our minds often go to large-scale efforts such as restoring forests, reducing fossil fuels, or tackling climate change on a global level. But real change begins at home, in the very places where we live and work. At Bumiterra, while our mission focuses on restoring degraded forest areas in West Kalimantan, we also believe that safeguarding nature means paying attention to our immediate surroundings. Our cities are ecosystems too, shaped by people, buildings, and infrastructure, but still dependent on ecological balance to sustain life. And just like in forests, imbalance in cities can create ripple effects.

Stray Cat Overpopulation in Urban Ecosystems

A stray mother cat with her three kittens, documented as part of the baseline observations prior to the TNR program.

Around our office in Menteng, Jakarta, we began noticing an unusual number of stray cats. At first, they seemed like a charming feature of the neighborhood. But as their population grew, so did the challenges: injuries, malnourishment, repeated pregnancies, and a constant stream of vulnerable kittens. Left unmanaged, stray overpopulation can cause serious problems. It harms the cats themselves, risks spreading disease, threatens local wildlife such as birds and reptiles, and creates conflicts with humans through noise, odor, or scattered trash. Too often, these tensions lead to cruel “catch-and-kill” practices that do not solve the problem, because new cats quickly move in. In short, an unchecked stray population disrupts the delicate balance of the urban ecosystem, harming both animals and people.

Instead of relying on short-term or harmful methods, we chose Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR), a humane and science-based approach. The essence of TNR is simple but powerful: capture the cats, sterilize them so they no longer reproduce, vaccinate them to prevent disease, and return them to the exact spot where they were found. This approach addresses the root of the problem, preventing future litters of kittens who would otherwise be born into hardship. It improves the health of existing cats, reduces the spread of disease, and lowers the stress placed on local wildlife. Most importantly, it allows the cats to keep their territories, which naturally deters new strays from moving in and keeps the population stable over time. By choosing to do the TNR method, we showed that protecting an urban ecosystem can be done without cruelty, and that humans and animals can share space in ways that benefit both.

Trapped, Neutered, Released!

Pre-briefing session with representatives from Let’s Adopt Indonesia, providing volunteers with training on safe and humane TNR execution.

We recognized early on that carrying out TNR is a logistical challenge that requires coordination, expertise, and community support. We initiated the funding for this program through the crowdfunding platform KitaBisa, which successfully raised Rp23,002,489. In addition, we received Rp8,333,333 in direct donations, bringing the total funds collected to Rp31,335,822. This financial foundation allowed us to cover every aspect of the operation, including safe trapping equipment, veterinary care, transportation, food supplies, and recovery logistics.

By partnering with Let’s Adopt Indonesia, who provided expert guidance and experienced volunteers, and Pawprints, who supported us with nutritious treats for trapping and recovery as well as tokens of appreciation for volunteers, we ensured the TNR program was carried out smoothly, humanely, and effectively. In celebration of International Cat Day on August 8th, we began the program on August 2nd, gathering at our Menteng office with volunteers prepared to trap approximately 30 cats from the surrounding neighborhood.

Dry and wet cat food supplied by Pawprints, used to support the trapping process and aid in the cats’ post-surgery recovery.

By the end of the day, we successfully trapped 22 cats, 13 females and 9 males. Detailed records were kept for each cat, including breed, physical condition, unique personality traits, and the exact location where they were found. This careful documentation ensured that each cat could be safely returned to its familiar environment after the procedure. With support from Let’s Adopt Indonesia, the cats were transported to a trusted veterinary clinic, where they underwent comprehensive health checks, received vaccinations, and were sterilized. The total cost of the operation was Rp15,058,000, covering surgical procedures, post-operative stays, and transport.

The release of fully recovered cats back into their original environments, ensuring minimal stress and population stability within their territories.

After a full recovery period, the cats were released back on August 6th. Each one was carefully returned to the exact spot where they had been captured, allowing them to continue their lives in the environment they were already familiar with. This step is crucial, not only does it reduce stress for the cats, but it also ensures that their established territories remain occupied, preventing new strays from moving in. In the long run, this helps maintain a healthier, more stable, and controlled population within the community.

Healthier Cats, Healthier Communities

This program means fewer kittens born into hardship. It means reduced risk of disease spread. It means less stress on local wildlife. And it means a more stable, balanced urban ecosystem.

Most importantly, it allows these cats to live safely in their home environment while the community enjoys a cleaner, more harmonious coexistence with them. After covering costs, we donated the remaining Rp16,277,822 to Let’s Adopt Indonesia, ensuring the ripple effect of this initiative continues well beyond our own program.

Certificate of donation presented by Bumiterra to Let’s Adopt Indonesia, representing the remaining funds from the program allocated to support ongoing animal welfare initiatives.

This first TNR program is more than just a milestone for Bumiterra. It is a reminder of what it means to care for our planet. Protecting nature is not only about planting trees in faraway forests. It is also about the choices we make right outside our doorsteps. Cities are ecosystems too, and by choosing humane, ecosystem-based solutions, we create healthier communities for humans and animals alike.

To our volunteers, donors, and partners, thank you. Your compassion and commitment have made all of this possible. But this is only the beginning. Routine TNR programs are essential if we want to build cities where animals and people coexist in harmony. We can ensure fewer cats suffer, ecosystems remain balanced, and our urban spaces become kinder places to live. Together, let us keep proving that protecting nature also means protecting the lives right outside our doors.

Volunteer team from Bumiterra, Let’s Adopt Indonesia, and Pawprints, whose collaboration and commitment made the TNR program possible.